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Illegal Stormwater Connections to the Sewage System — Ebensburg, PA

This document explains why and how Ebensburg enforces rules against illegal stormwater connections to the sanitary sewer system, what residents must do to comply, and how violations are detected and corrected.

Why Are These Regulations Being Enforced Now?

  • The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection requires local governments to reduce overloading of sanitary sewers.
  • Rainwater or stormwater entering the sewer system causes surcharges — which can overflow manholes, back up into basements, and discharge raw sewage into streets or streams.
  • The sanitary sewer was designed only for household wastewater, not large volumes of rainwater.

What’s the Problem with Illegal Connections?

  • Downspouts, sump pumps, foundation drains, or other stormwater sources connected to the sewer cause sudden surges.
  • These surges can:
    • Overflow manhole lids onto streets and yards
    • Activate overflow pipes that dump sewage directly into streams
    • Cause sewage to back up into basement floor drains and fixtures

What Regulations Are Violated?

Connecting stormwater to the sanitary sewer violates:

  • Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection regulations
  • Borough of Ebensburg Ordinance #558
  • Borough of Ebensburg Ordinance #511

Who Do These Regulations Apply To?

All customers on the Ebensburg sewer system.

What Must Property Owners Do to Comply?

Disconnect ALL extraneous stormwater sources from the public sanitary sewer, including:

  • Cracked or broken service pipes
  • Foundation drains
  • Driveway or area drains
  • Downspouts
  • Leaking joints
  • Sump pump discharges
  • Footer drains
  • Entrance drains
  • Wall or floor seepage

How Does the Borough Detect Illegal Connections?

Ebensburg conducts tests at every property, including:

  • Dye test: A non-staining dye tablet is flushed down a drain or downspout; if dyed water appears elsewhere in the system, there’s an illegal connection.
  • Smoke test: Non-toxic smoke is forced into the sewer; leaks indicate where water could enter.
  • Air test: The system is pressurized with air; if pressure drops, a leak exists.

If Notified of an Improper Connection, What Should I Do?

  • Consult a plumber or contractor with underground utility experience.
  • DO NOT ignore the notice — penalties for non-compliance are severe.
  • You have 90 days to correct the violation.

What Should I Do With My Stormwater?

  • Retain all stormwater on your property.
  • Downspouts should discharge onto splash pads or disperse across the ground.
  • Stormwater pipes must NOT discharge through curbs.
  • Intentionally discharging stormwater onto a neighbor’s property is prohibited.

Will I Have to Dig Up My Floors?

  • In most cases, NO — testing does not require under-slab plumbing repairs.
  • Under-slab repairs are only needed if water infiltration is confirmed via viewport or other indicators.

Who Is Responsible for Repairs?

The property owner is solely responsible for all repair costs needed to comply with regulations.

How Much Will It Cost?

  • Costs vary case by case.
  • Removing downspouts is often inexpensive.
  • Replacing entire service laterals (especially under walls or driveways) can be costly.
  • Contact a plumber or excavating contractor for a price quote.

For More Information

Contact:
Borough of Ebensburg
Phone: (814) 472-8780

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